Riyadh Car Hire

Budget-Friendly Car Hire in Riyadh

Enjoy Travel offers budget-friendly, low-cost car hire for when public transport just won’t cut it. Having the freedom to explore Riyadh on your own terms without relying on public transport is a blessing and can improve your experience of the city tenfold. It is important to be well-organised with car hire in Riyadh, especially during peak travel season (November to March).

Securing the Best Deals

We recommend booking car hire in Riyadh at least one month in advance to secure the best prices.

Understanding Riyadh’s Driving Regulations

Rules of the Road for Renters

● Drivers must be at least 21 years old before being eligible to hire a car in Riyadh.
● You need a full, valid driving licence and an IDP (International Driving Permit).
● There is a 0% policy for alcohol when driving, and the consequences can be as severe as prison time and deportation.
● Speed limits are displayed in km/h (kilometres per hour), not mph (miles per hour).
● Seatbelts are mandatory for the driver and all passengers in the car whenever the vehicle is in motion.

Parking in Riyadh: A Guide

Here are some tips that will help you understand parking rules and regulations in Riyadh.

Finding Convenient Parking Spots in Riyadh

There is ample on-street parking in Riyadh, although most of it costs. The cost generally starts at around 3.45 SAR per hour (€0.78), while parking meters typically accept cash, card and contactless methods such as Apple Pay. Parking is generally free between the hours of 22:00 and 07:00. No parking zones are clearly displayed via a circular sign with a red rim, a red diagonal line through it, and a blue background.

Top Attractions in Riyadh

Kingdom Centre Tower: This 99-storey skyscraper is home to a sky bridge, numerous restaurants and an Islamic art centre.

Masmak Fortress: A traditional and well-preserved mud-brick fort that was central to the unification of Saudi Arabia in 1902.

Tahlia Street: A luxury shopping street lined with high-end shops, restaurants, cafes and more.

Discovering Riyadh’s Highlights

There are plenty of places to stay in Riyadh, although where you choose to stay can affect the overall price of your accommodation. While central areas are more expensive, they are usually more convenient. However, to save money, you could opt to stay on the outskirts and commute in either by car or public transport.

Transport Options in Riyadh

Metro Services: Quick and Extensive Coverage

Riyadh’s metro system is brand-new, having just opened in 2024. This is an affordable and convenient way to travel throughout the city.

Buses: An Extensive Network Across the Country

There is a good bus service in Riyadh, which connects users to most major landmarks in and around the city. It is also a very affordable way of travelling through the city.

Taxis: Convenient for Direct Routes

Taxis are a very convenient, albeit expensive, way to travel in Riyadh. The main disadvantage of taxis is that they can get stuck in busy traffic, and if the meter is still running, a short journey can turn into a long one, costing a fortune for the sake of a few kilometres.

Best Day Trips from Riyadh

The Edge of the World: This dramatic cliffside formation is one of the best places in the world to witness the sun sinking over the horizon, and is just a short drive from Riyadh.

AlUla and Hegra: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, these ancient tombs are well worth visiting to witness some of the earliest evidence of settlers in the Arabian Peninsula.

Desert Safaris: Whether you want to ride a quadbike through the desert or opt for a traditional camel ride, exploring the vast desert on the outskirts of Riyadh makes for a great day trip.

Planning Your Adventure

The roads in Riyadh are notoriously difficult to navigate, so a GPS system such as a sat-nav or Google Maps is essential.

Optimal Driving Times in Riyadh

Avoiding Congestion and Maximising Enjoyment

Rush hour generally falls between 07:30 and 09:00 and 16:00 and 18:00 during the week. Avoid driving at these times for a better experience of driving in and around Riyadh.

Weighing the Benefits of Car Hire in Riyadh

Pros: Advantages of Personal Mobility

Travelling at your own pace and on your own terms in Riyadh is the best part about hiring a car in the Saudi capital. You do not have to wait in the baking sun for a bus to turn up, or spend a fortune on taxis, and you can drive to exactly where you need to be.

Cons: Potential Drawbacks of Hiring a Car

The roads are known for being some of the most difficult to navigate, largely due to erratic drivers. As such, driving in Riyadh can be a stressful experience, so opting to use the city’s extensive public transport network can be a much less worrisome and cheaper experience.

Variety of Rental Vehicles in Riyadh

There are lots of vehicles available for hire in Riyadh, ranging from small cars such as the Nissan Sunny to luxury vehicles like the BMW 520.

Choosing the Right Vehicle for Your Needs

Partnering with Riyadh’s Premier Car Hire Providers

Enjoy Travel provides reliable and low-cost vehicles from reputable suppliers in Riyadh, including Alamo, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National and Sixt.

Selecting a Reputable Company

Pay attention to companies with positive customer reviews and make sure that their values align with yours for the best experience.